Chronotronix VFD Nixie Tube Clock w/ tubes f amplifier

Chronotronix Blue Light 100 (BL-100)
VFD Tube Clock





This clock-project bases on the VFD-tubes technology.

What are VFD-Tubes?
A vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) tube is a type of tube which consists of a hot cathode (filaments), anodes (phosphor) under a high vacuum condition in a glass envelope.
This clock uses tube types Y-1938 or Y-1939 made by General Electric in the early seventies. The cathode is made up of fine tungsten wires, coated by alkaline earth metal oxides, which emit electrons when heated by an electric current. If electrons impinge on the phosphor-coated plates, they fluoresce, emitting light to indicate the 7-segments used in this tubes. Electrons can only reach (and "illuminate") a given plate element if the plate is at a positive potential with respect to the cathode. They have no grid compared to other VFD displays.
The light produced by this VFD tubes contains many colours and can be filtered to produce a pure blue colour.

Here, at my VFD-tube page you can find lots of pictures and descriptions of VFD tubes.

Here an example of the Y-1938 tubes:

CHRONOTRONIX BL-100 Blue Light Clock
Clock with blue General Electric VFD tubes

This clock uses the rare General Electric VFD tubes "Y-1938" and "Y-1939" in blue colour! These are as popular as the CD47 (CD-47) Rodan Nixie tubes or the well known IN-18 tubes. VFD tubes are neat display devices similar to Nixie tubes, but they were designed for low voltage use. These VFD tubes were popular for a short period in the 1970s. This unique clock will be the highlight of your collection! Basically, a seven-segment readout consists of seven narrow illuminated bars arranged to form a rectangular figure 8. As the associated logic circuits determine the numerical value to be displayed, the appropriate bars are illuminated to form the numeral on the display plane.



The combination of different materials achieves an elegant and classic impression. Well balanced proportions and a clear geometry making up for a coherent and disciplined yet charming design.

DESCRIPTION
The clock is a celebration of purist elegance. Its distinguishing design is the combination of massive cherry wood and shiny black anodized aluminum constituting certain gentility. Imposing reflections on the black surface repeat the full beauty of these rare tubes. The BL-100 clock will look great beneath your tube amplifier, your tube radio, your jukebox as well as on your desk.

TECHNIQUE
The CHRONOTRONIX BL-100 Blue Light Clock uses a state of the art circuitry. Time is kept by a precise real time clock. The clock is not multiplexed, but the VFD tubes are driven directly.

TUBES
The VFD tubes are from the Y-1938 and Y-1939 series made by General Electric. They show a digit height of 0.57" (14.5mm). The life expectancy of the tubes is very high - more than 50,000 hours.

OPERATION MANUAL
Please download it here in pdf- format:

OPERATION MANUAL:
Please download it here:
Operation Manual Chronotronix-BL-100 (English, German)

POWER SUPPLY
The Chronotronix V600-NT Nixie Clock works in a range of 110-240V (50/60Hz). A wall power supply for worldwide use is included.

You can find more information about the Chronotronix BL-100 Blue Light Clock here!

Scope of delivery:
This auction includes:
The completely assembled clock, tubes, manual in English, power supply.

Shipping costs:
Registered standard airmail is: US$37
Insured premium airmail is: US$68

HAPPY BIDDING!
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